Hydraulic fluids are used in various machines and contain chemicals such as oils, esters, and glycols. Biobased fluids are environmentally friendly but expensive. Exposure to these fluids can cause health issues, and proper storage is necessary to avoid fire risks.
Hydraulic fluids are liquids used as a driving medium in hydraulic machines and equipment. These fluids are used in a variety of machines, including automotive transmissions, power steering systems and power brakes. Brake fluid, a subtype of this fluid, is specially made to have a low freezing point, high boiling point, and hygroscopic capabilities to absorb water. Hydraulic fluids are also used in tractors, excavators, forklifts, backhoes, bulldozers, garbage trucks and aircraft flight control systems.
Hydraulic fluids contain many chemicals, including oils, esters, silicones, butanol, polyalkylene glycols (PAG), corrosion inhibitors and many others. The three most common types of chemicals used in them, however, are polyalphaolefins (PAO), phosphoric esters, and mineral oil.
Fortunately, the current interest in environmental protection has created a demand for biobased and biodegradable hydraulic fluids. These have a base of vegetable oils such as soybean, canola, canola or sunflower. These bio-based fluids help minimize pollution in the event of an oil spill.
These biodegradable fluids are a major advance because the chemicals used in conventional hydraulic fluid can be extremely harmful to the environment. When there is a leak or spill, some chemicals remain on the ground while others sink into the groundwater. If the fluid leaks into a body of water, some chemicals will sink to the bottom, where they can remain for over a year. Fish and other marine life that live in contaminated water can absorb hydraulic fluid. Unfortunately, a biodegradable fluid is much more expensive than a conventional fluid, so these biobased fluids are not widely used.
People can be exposed to the chemicals in these fluids by touching them, swallowing them, or breathing the air near a machine that uses them. Exposure can also occur by touching contaminated soil or water. Not much is currently known about how airborne exposure to these fluids affects human health. Ingestion of these liquids can cause intestinal bleeding, pneumonia or death. Workers who regularly handle hydraulic fluids have reported hand weakness and skin irritation.
Hydraulic fluid becomes hazardous if heated to flash point, sprayed, or sprayed. Proper storage requires that the fluid be stored in sealed metal containers, and storage of large quantities must be done properly. Liquid-soaked rags and clothing should also be contained in closed metal containers to avoid a possible fire risk and disposed of appropriately.
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